Gevinson has great integrity

Opinion: Letters To The Editor

Friday, April 5th, 2013 11:54 AM

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When I first visited OPRF High School almost three decades ago, I sat in an English class taught by Steve Gevinson. Watching him spark a thoughtful and lively conversation deepened my impression of OPRF as a special school. After joining the History Division, I grew to know Steve as a universally respected school leader. He ably chaired the Faculty Senate Executive Committee and demonstrated command of finance in leading faculty negotiations for a new contract.

As English Division head, Steve championed success and belonging for all students, supported teacher Peter Kahn's Spoken Word program, and raised the minority profile of the English faculty. Regardless of his particular role, Steve was never parochial or partisan. I remember, for example, serving with him on a committee that seriously considered introducing a block schedule. Many teachers supported the proposal, but Steve convincingly reasoned that the schedule would compromise the school's educational quality.

During his long career at OPRF, Steve displayed broad vision, sound judgment on matters of school policy, deep institutional memory, and great personal integrity. He devoted himself to mastering the school's complex issues, to meeting OPRF's challenges responsibly and creatively, and to maintaining a high standard of professionalism.

Steve Gevinson is uniquely qualified to serve on the District 200 Board of Education. The school and community would gain immeasurably from his continued service.